Let’s find out what’s tree-mendous

Buddies are being urged to go out on a limb and nominate Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2018.

The Woodland Trust is calling for the public’s choices in finding their favourite growing treasure.

The winning tree will receive a £1,000 care award thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

This can be used to pay for work improving the tree’s health, interpretation materials such as signage or a celebratory event.

Finalists are invited to a reception at the Scottish Parliament and acclaimed nature photographer Niall Benvie makes portraits of the trees and their supporters. There is also a trophy.

Sanjay Singh, senior programmes manager at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:“I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery can back this celebration of the nation’s trees.

“We look forward to finding out about all the grand specimens, the trees with a story or the trees that communities hold dear.”

Previous winners include the Suffragette Oak in Glasgow, and The Big Tree in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Any individual, group or organisation can nominate a tree.

Public nominations are online until August 7.

An expert panel will whittle the nominated trees down to a final list which will be put to the public vote in September.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said:“People who have taken part before, win or lose, tell us they enjoy the experience. It brings communities together.”